Unvented hot water storage system scheme

Are you a plumber or heating engineer that wants to install, repair, service or commission unvented hot water storage systems (UHWSS)? In order to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations Approved Document G (section G3), you must hold an unvented hot water identity card. It must also be renewed every five years.

The latest regulations state that only a competent person is legally allowed to install, commission, inspect, service or repair a hot water storage vessel in excess of 15 litres, which does not incorporate a vent pipe to atmosphere.

Once you have completed the Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems scheme, you will be issued an unvented hot water identity card, which enables your work to be accepted by Local Building Control as competent.

The scheme is a one day course and consists of three modules:

• Inspect
• Commission
• Install and service

You may be a building inspector or site supervisor who only needs to complete inspect only work. In this case, you are able to take the ‘Inspect’ module as a stand-alone course. You will expected to undertake written and practical assessments, which will include discharge pipework and safety control inspections, as well as closed and open book multiple choice questions.

Consisting of a practical assessment, the ‘Commission’ module satisfies Building Regulations Approved Document G (section G3) competence requirements for commissioning unvented hot water storage systems.

‘Install and service’ takes the form of written and practical assessments, including installation and testing, and is also required if you are to work directly with UHWSS.

Unvented hot water identity cards

On completion, you will be issued an unvented hot water identity card, which is then valid for five years.

If you have a background in plumbing, heating, gas or ventilation and your job requires you to install, commission and/or service unvented hot water storage systems, you will be issued with a Category 1 card.

People with relevant allied trade backgrounds who want to inspect and commission only (i.e. electricians) will hold a Category 2 card.

If you have chosen to only complete the ‘Inspect’ module or are a building inspector, designer, architect, site supervisor without formal trade qualifications, you will receive a Category 3 card, which allows you to inspect only.

Want to know more?

If you need further information about undertaking an Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems Scheme, please call Gas Training & Assessment on us on 01268 727797 today.